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HCI

Pub Date
07 Apr 2015

Description

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a
unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism,
ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called neurotypical brain
itself. One size does not fit all. Everyone's brain is different.

Helping
others 'get it' when it comes to dealing with those with so-called
learning disabilities is why Reitman has written this book. It's also
why he wrote and produced The Square Root of 2, a movie about a
college student who encounters—and fights—her school's unjust system.
The film was inspired by the real events faced by his daughter and
contributing author, Rebecca, when she went to college; her seizure
disorder and—at the time—undiagnosed Asperger syndrome posed unique
challenges not faced by most students.

After reviewing the
scientific community's research, conducted over the last nearly 40
years, Dr. Reitman believes that it's time to not just accept
neurodiversity, but to embrace it, and this book will help people do
just that. It is the first book to offer simple tools, action plans and
resources to help understand and deal with anyone whose brain is a bit
different. The astonishing rate of autism births alone (1 in 68) means
that society will have to adapt to neurodiversity, just as it has had to
adapt to other cultural and racial differences. Our educational system,
our workplaces, and society at large will no longer be one size fits
all—each individual will have the opportunity to maximize their
potential—and we will be the better for it.

Dr. Harold "Hackie" Reitman
is an orthopedic surgeon, a former professional and Golden Gloves
champion heavyweight boxer, philanthropist, and a movie producer. His
recent release, The Square Root of 2, is a fictionalized adaptation of his daughter Rebecca's challenges at college (TheSquareRootOf2.com).

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called...

Description

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a
unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism,
ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called neurotypical brain
itself. One size does not fit all. Everyone's brain is different.

Helping
others 'get it' when it comes to dealing with those with so-called
learning disabilities is why Reitman has written this book. It's also
why he wrote and produced The Square Root of 2, a movie about a
college student who encounters—and fights—her school's unjust system.
The film was inspired by the real events faced by his daughter and
contributing author, Rebecca, when she went to college; her seizure
disorder and—at the time—undiagnosed Asperger syndrome posed unique
challenges not faced by most students.

After reviewing the
scientific community's research, conducted over the last nearly 40
years, Dr. Reitman believes that it's time to not just accept
neurodiversity, but to embrace it, and this book will help people do
just that. It is the first book to offer simple tools, action plans and
resources to help understand and deal with anyone whose brain is a bit
different. The astonishing rate of autism births alone (1 in 68) means
that society will have to adapt to neurodiversity, just as it has had to
adapt to other cultural and racial differences. Our educational system,
our workplaces, and society at large will no longer be one size fits
all—each individual will have the opportunity to maximize their
potential—and we will be the better for it.

Dr. Harold "Hackie" Reitman
is an orthopedic surgeon, a former professional and Golden Gloves
champion heavyweight boxer, philanthropist, and a movie producer. His
recent release, The Square Root of 2, is a fictionalized adaptation of his daughter Rebecca's challenges at college (TheSquareRootOf2.com).

A Note From the Publisher

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called neurotypical brain itself. One size does not fit all. Everyone's brain is different.. This comprehensive but easily accessible book offers simple tools for understanding the world's fastest growing developmental disability.

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called neurotypical...

A Note From the Publisher

If you ask Dr. Harold Reitman, labels are a lousy way to describe a unique human being, whether it's Asperger's, high functioning autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette's or even the so-called neurotypical brain itself. One size does not fit all. Everyone's brain is different.. This comprehensive but easily accessible book offers simple tools for understanding the world's fastest growing developmental disability.

Advance Praise

“I strongly recommend Dr. Reitman’s
book Aspertools to people who are
interested in understanding that each child is entitled to learn and develop in
a way that enables that child to succeed. . . .”

—Abraham
Fischler, President Emeritus, Nova
Southeastern University

"I believe that Aspertools by Dr. Hackie Reitman is at the vanguard of changing
peoples’ perceptions about what’s going on with our brains.”

“Aspertools is a
big help. I think too many people don’t know enough about Asperger’s, the autism
spectrum, and different brains in general. . . . I think Dr. HackieReitman
himself wishes he would’ve known these tools when his daughter was growing up.”

—Dr. Susan J. Mendelsohn, clinical psychologist
and life coach

“As a professor of philosophy, I have
taken some instruction from Aspertools.
Dr. Reitman has given me a more profound grasp of the fact that one size does
not fit all when it comes to learning, and that what one student can handle
with aplomb might cause another to grind his teeth with anxiety.”

—Gordon
Marino,Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College, editor of The Quotable Kierkegaard, and writer, TheNew York Times and TheWall St.
Journal

“When I read
Aspertools, I thought, ‘My gosh, Dr. Reitman is writing about my two
teenagers!’ This book has opened my eyes.”

—Dawn D.mother, medical technician

“Aspertools
will help in so many ways. Without realizing it, Dr. Hackie Reitman has written a great book about all relationships
and parenting.”

“Aspertools
brings hope and optimism to Aspies and their families! After so many books
filled with diagnostic tools and statistical data, finally, here is a
book about Asperger’s syndrome that actually offers something helpful: how to
cope with the various symptoms and overcome the challenges. The insight and
practical advice from the multiple points of view—the Aspie, the parent, and
the educator—provide a comprehensive yet easily readable work. Thank you, Dr.
Reitman, for reaffirming that Aspies can and do lead productive,
fulfilling lives!”

—Delfina B.

Aspie mom

“I strongly recommend Dr. Reitman’s
book Aspertools to people who are
interested in understanding that each child is entitled to learn and develop in
a way that enables that child to succeed. . . .”

“Aspertools is a
big help. I think too many people don’t know enough about Asperger’s, the autism
spectrum, and different brains in general. . . . I think Dr. HackieReitman
himself wishes he would’ve known these tools when his daughter was growing up.”

—Dr. Susan J. Mendelsohn, clinical psychologist
and life coach

“As a professor of philosophy, I have
taken some instruction from Aspertools.
Dr. Reitman has given me a more profound grasp of the fact that one size does
not fit all when it comes to learning, and that what one student can handle
with aplomb might cause another to grind his teeth with anxiety.”

—Gordon
Marino,Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College, editor of The Quotable Kierkegaard, and writer, TheNew York Times and TheWall St.
Journal

“When I read
Aspertools, I thought, ‘My gosh, Dr. Reitman is writing about my two
teenagers!’ This book has opened my eyes.”

—Dawn D.mother, medical technician

“Aspertools
will help in so many ways. Without realizing it, Dr. Hackie Reitman has written a great book about all relationships
and parenting.”

“Aspertools
brings hope and optimism to Aspies and their families! After so many books
filled with diagnostic tools and statistical data, finally, here is a
book about Asperger’s syndrome that actually offers something helpful: how to
cope with the various symptoms and overcome the challenges. The insight and
practical advice from the multiple points of view—the Aspie, the parent, and
the educator—provide a comprehensive yet easily readable work. Thank you, Dr.
Reitman, for reaffirming that Aspies can and do lead productive,
fulfilling lives!”

—Delfina B.

Aspie mom

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Available Editions

Average rating from 65 members

Featured Reviews

Jennifer L, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I have never read a book directly related to Asperger’s Syndrome so I was extremely happy to be given the opportunity to read “Aspertools” by Dr. Harold Reitman. My 19 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at the age of 5 and many times throughout the years doctors would tell us that he also displayed many Asperger tendencies. Yet we were never told definitively if he was positively diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or what all these tendencies meant. As a parent this becomes increasing frustrating, how are you supposed to help your child without a proper diagnosis or the proper tools?
Dr. Harold Reitman has put so much into perspective for me with his book! I felt like he was speaking directly to me regarding my son. I only wish that I had this information and knew of these tools and resources when our son was young. This isn’t just for parents though, anyone who knows or even works with someone with Asperger Syndrome would benefit greatly from reading this book. The rapidly increasing rate at which children are being born with Asperger Syndrome or any varying degree of Autism is staggering. We need to stop lumping children and adults who have these learning disabilities into one category because, as Dr. Reitman explains in his book, everyone’s brain is different. We as a society must start educating ourselves and “Aspertools” is a great place to start!
**Thank you to Dr. Harold Reitman, publishers HCI Books, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

PAM T, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Having a fascination for these type of books I like to read and understand why there is so much difficulty that our society has in embracing children with Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodiversity.. Instead of brushing these problems under the carpet society needs to embrace children using resources and tools which are readily available, remembering everyone's brain is different.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Patricia L, Educator

Recommends This Book

Yes

It seemed like a good book to keep around and refer to. Not something to sit and read straight through.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Shelly K, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Found this helpful. Little things seem to make a big difference for my son's condition.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Laura G, Librarian

Recommends This Book

Yes

Reitman's Aspertools is a great resource for learning more about Aspergers. Organised into chapters based on characteristics like anxiety and hypersenses, it's a resource that parents, educators and anyone interested in Aspies/Aspergers will find useful.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Sarah C, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

As the mother of a girl with high-functioning autism, this was great. I liked all the little notes and tips. I plan to put many of them in use.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Liliyana S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I was intrigued by this book when I first read the title and description. But I was also...nervous? My brother and I are both atypical/neurodiverse in our own way, and our experiences have been vastly different in dealing with it and finding what works for us. Most of the books I've read that deal with aspergers, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodiversity issues often overlook certain things: like taking into account what the person with the diversity wants, that each experience and person is different, even with the same diagnosis, and to find out what works best, you have to be willing to work with and listen to the person you are trying to help. Not only is this stressed repeatedly throughout the book - you get 3 distinct point of views, throughout. The concerned and once clueless parent, a teacher who specializes in helping the neurodiverse, and someone who lives it everyday. I plan on getting this book for my husband and parents, even though they've done an amazing job of adapting to me and my brother, I think this will bring a new level of understanding to everything.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Holly S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

EVERY TEACHER< IN EVERY SCHOOL< AT EVERY GRADE LEVEL SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK AS REQUIRED READING. I have said many times that children are not a crowd to be controlled and fed education like a mass produced human. Everyone regardless of any shade of neuro-diversity should be treated as an individual with gifts. Dr. Reitman, Pati Fizzano and Rebecca Reitman should look into doing school programs in our area. No one would ever say "special education" the same way again.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Kelli P, Librarian

Recommends This Book

Yes

This was a super simple and easy to read book that had a lot of good tips on helping anyone who's not completely neurotypical. The author seems to have the best of intentions and does a great job of keeping everything positive. I will put some of the tips to use in my own life.
The only negative was the weird paragraph about single mothers in chapter 22. Not sure what that was all about.
I'm going to make sure we have this one on the shelf if we don't already.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Amy Leigh R, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I hope that my review finds Dr Reitman. My son has aspergers so this book really hits home for me. I really appreciate this novel and its content of advice and tips etc. NO one child is the same. This novel prompted me to search for Dr Reitman on youtube and I found this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVnDnO9WhMI
I totally and completely relate and I am just glad to have come across this novel on here.
I love this book and appreciate Dr Reitman. Thank you sir , for offering me some insight into my sons disorder. I ask everyone to remember this " There is ABILITY in DISABILITY". These children and individuals are wonderful human beings.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Alina M, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Very practical book that explains well about Asperger's without the complicated medical therms. Easy to read, short chapters about each trait of Asperger's.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Kate Z, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

This book is a great resource for anyone who has Aspergers, who lives or works with someone who does, or simply wants to be acquainted with it to better understand it since everyone likely knows at least one person who has Aspergers.
My brother has Aspergers and there was a lot of things growing up that we knew were different about him, yet since it is high functioning, he wasn't obviously autistic, and was sometimes prone to teasing. Many people do not realize that certain eccentricities are tell tell signs of it and just call a person "weird". The greater awareness of the general public is a great thing not only because it can help in diagnosis, but it can also help those with it avoid teasing as others understand what they are going through and that is, in large part, beyond their control.
This book does just that! It explains things from different perspectives and explains how those with Aspergers typically get along in school and work and public in general. It also explains the nuances of their personality that others may not understand.
This is a great read that I will be referring back to as needed!

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

L S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

I found this title to be helpful Most did not apply to my own situation, however it was an interesting read.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

bridget p, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

I would recommend Aspertools for anyone that has, works with or knows someone with Asperger's Syndrome.
Having a preteen with Asperger's diagnosed several years ago, this book is an asset to us as parents. It has very easily put into place tips and tools for living life with an Aspie. It includes different perspectives and gives us a glimpse into the world of an individual with Asperger's.
Highly recommend for parents and educators!
Special thanks to Netgalley and HCI Books for an opportunity to read and review this book.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Rachelle M, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

In this book written by Dr Reitman he talks about life with neurotypical and neuro diverse people in our lives. He believes that labels aren't needed because all brains really are different. With his daughter Rebecca and her coach Pati Fizzano they talk about ways to help get through all kinds of situations with love and patience.
For me this book was very well written, each chapter dealing with different aspects of situations you might encounter with someone on the spectrum. Each chapter is broken into 3 parts; the first part is Dr. Reitman explaining the character trait and examples of how he did not deal well with it when Rebecca was younger. The second section is from Pati Fizzano as a special needs teacher and how best to deal with the situations from her perspective; and the last part is from Rebecca. Rebecca explains from her perspective as a neurodiverse woman and child what she was dealing with and how to handle those situations.
As a mother of someone on the spectrum it was very helpful to see all sides. As Rebecca and Pati point out it is not always easy for people to explain why they react to certain things the way they do. Throughout the book patience and love are stronger encouraged.
This book is very insightful and reassuring. I believe I have taken away a better understanding of neurodiverse characteristics, and in the end no matter whether someone you love is on the spectrum of not love a nd patience is most important.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Reviewer 527232

Recommends This Book

Strongly

This is the book I have been looking for! My son, now 24, has Aspergers. Even though he is high functioning, it can be a challenge to communicate with him and understand his emotions without having a disconect. This book is basic, but that is its strength. It gives you information in easy to understand language and practical advice. I have found plenty of books for people with Aspergers, but this hits a special and much needed niche...helping people understand from the outside. Well done

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Dorie K, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Aspergers, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodiversity
by Harold Reitman
2015
HCI Books
Many parents, siblings and caretakers have, at one time, had a child with autism and have struggled to reach that child. This is a concise and thorough guide, written by a parent of a child with Aspergers, not as a professional authority, to share what he has learned from working with his amazing daughter, Rebecca.
Rebecca has Aspergers, had 23 brain tumors and underwent 2 major brain surgeries at the Mayo Clinic as a toddler. She went on to be accepted to the prestigious University of Georgia where she earned a degree in Discrete Mathematics. She then decided she wanted to work with others with Aspergers, and has been working with them since.
This gives you a complete understanding of how the person with Aspergers feels as well as suggestions of how to help them deal with it, and help you to deal with it as well.
One of the biggest problems in education is that we divide children into classrooms not based on their abilities or strengths but by the year of their birth. The one size fits all approach does not work and is especially obvious when working with Autism.
Enlightening and positive, this is a must have guide. Its clear, no-nonsense approach could work with many children.
Thank you to HCI Books for sending this for review.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Linda V, Librarian

Recommends This Book

Strongly

In the preface of this book, the author describes asking a college president friend what he considers the biggest problem with the education system in the U.S. The friend replied it was that children are placed in the same classroom for the simple reason they were born in the same year when not all children of any one age, are wired the same way. The notion of “different” wiring is easily seen in children with high function autism. Although, the term “Aspergers” is no longer officially used to describe people with high functioning autism, it continues to be associated with a specific set of traits and behaviors. These include hypersensitivity, physical and social awkwardness, inattention, and poor organizational and time management skills. This book offers parents of “aspies” methods to help them become more tuned into their child’s unique way of perceiving the world, and provides them concrete steps to help their child manage in a world they may often find overwhelming.

Read an Excerpt

Aspertools

Harold Reitman, M.D. with Pati Fizzano and Rebecca Reitman

Additional Information

Available Editions

EDITION

Paperback

ISBN

9780757318535

PRICE

$14.95 (USD)

Featured Reviews

Jennifer L, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I have never read a book directly related to Asperger’s Syndrome so I was extremely happy to be given the opportunity to read “Aspertools” by Dr. Harold Reitman. My 19 year old son was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD at the age of 5 and many times throughout the years doctors would tell us that he also displayed many Asperger tendencies. Yet we were never told definitively if he was positively diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or what all these tendencies meant. As a parent this becomes increasing frustrating, how are you supposed to help your child without a proper diagnosis or the proper tools?
Dr. Harold Reitman has put so much into perspective for me with his book! I felt like he was speaking directly to me regarding my son. I only wish that I had this information and knew of these tools and resources when our son was young. This isn’t just for parents though, anyone who knows or even works with someone with Asperger Syndrome would benefit greatly from reading this book. The rapidly increasing rate at which children are being born with Asperger Syndrome or any varying degree of Autism is staggering. We need to stop lumping children and adults who have these learning disabilities into one category because, as Dr. Reitman explains in his book, everyone’s brain is different. We as a society must start educating ourselves and “Aspertools” is a great place to start!
**Thank you to Dr. Harold Reitman, publishers HCI Books, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

PAM T, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Having a fascination for these type of books I like to read and understand why there is so much difficulty that our society has in embracing children with Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodiversity.. Instead of brushing these problems under the carpet society needs to embrace children using resources and tools which are readily available, remembering everyone's brain is different.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Patricia L, Educator

Recommends This Book

Yes

It seemed like a good book to keep around and refer to. Not something to sit and read straight through.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Shelly K, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Found this helpful. Little things seem to make a big difference for my son's condition.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Laura G, Librarian

Recommends This Book

Yes

Reitman's Aspertools is a great resource for learning more about Aspergers. Organised into chapters based on characteristics like anxiety and hypersenses, it's a resource that parents, educators and anyone interested in Aspies/Aspergers will find useful.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Sarah C, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

As the mother of a girl with high-functioning autism, this was great. I liked all the little notes and tips. I plan to put many of them in use.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Liliyana S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I was intrigued by this book when I first read the title and description. But I was also...nervous? My brother and I are both atypical/neurodiverse in our own way, and our experiences have been vastly different in dealing with it and finding what works for us. Most of the books I've read that deal with aspergers, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurodiversity issues often overlook certain things: like taking into account what the person with the diversity wants, that each experience and person is different, even with the same diagnosis, and to find out what works best, you have to be willing to work with and listen to the person you are trying to help. Not only is this stressed repeatedly throughout the book - you get 3 distinct point of views, throughout. The concerned and once clueless parent, a teacher who specializes in helping the neurodiverse, and someone who lives it everyday. I plan on getting this book for my husband and parents, even though they've done an amazing job of adapting to me and my brother, I think this will bring a new level of understanding to everything.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Holly S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

EVERY TEACHER< IN EVERY SCHOOL< AT EVERY GRADE LEVEL SHOULD HAVE THIS BOOK AS REQUIRED READING. I have said many times that children are not a crowd to be controlled and fed education like a mass produced human. Everyone regardless of any shade of neuro-diversity should be treated as an individual with gifts. Dr. Reitman, Pati Fizzano and Rebecca Reitman should look into doing school programs in our area. No one would ever say "special education" the same way again.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Kelli P, Librarian

Recommends This Book

Yes

This was a super simple and easy to read book that had a lot of good tips on helping anyone who's not completely neurotypical. The author seems to have the best of intentions and does a great job of keeping everything positive. I will put some of the tips to use in my own life.
The only negative was the weird paragraph about single mothers in chapter 22. Not sure what that was all about.
I'm going to make sure we have this one on the shelf if we don't already.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Amy Leigh R, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

I hope that my review finds Dr Reitman. My son has aspergers so this book really hits home for me. I really appreciate this novel and its content of advice and tips etc. NO one child is the same. This novel prompted me to search for Dr Reitman on youtube and I found this : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVnDnO9WhMI
I totally and completely relate and I am just glad to have come across this novel on here.
I love this book and appreciate Dr Reitman. Thank you sir , for offering me some insight into my sons disorder. I ask everyone to remember this " There is ABILITY in DISABILITY". These children and individuals are wonderful human beings.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Alina M, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Very practical book that explains well about Asperger's without the complicated medical therms. Easy to read, short chapters about each trait of Asperger's.

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

Kate Z, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Strongly

This book is a great resource for anyone who has Aspergers, who lives or works with someone who does, or simply wants to be acquainted with it to better understand it since everyone likely knows at least one person who has Aspergers.
My brother has Aspergers and there was a lot of things growing up that we knew were different about him, yet since it is high functioning, he wasn't obviously autistic, and was sometimes prone to teasing. Many people do not realize that certain eccentricities are tell tell signs of it and just call a person "weird". The greater awareness of the general public is a great thing not only because it can help in diagnosis, but it can also help those with it avoid teasing as others understand what they are going through and that is, in large part, beyond their control.
This book does just that! It explains things from different perspectives and explains how those with Aspergers typically get along in school and work and public in general. It also explains the nuances of their personality that others may not understand.
This is a great read that I will be referring back to as needed!

Recommends This Book

Strongly

Was this review helpful?

L S, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

I found this title to be helpful Most did not apply to my own situation, however it was an interesting read.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

bridget p, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

I would recommend Aspertools for anyone that has, works with or knows someone with Asperger's Syndrome.
Having a preteen with Asperger's diagnosed several years ago, this book is an asset to us as parents. It has very easily put into place tips and tools for living life with an Aspie. It includes different perspectives and gives us a glimpse into the world of an individual with Asperger's.
Highly recommend for parents and educators!
Special thanks to Netgalley and HCI Books for an opportunity to read and review this book.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Rachelle M, Reviewer

Recommends This Book

Yes

In this book written by Dr Reitman he talks about life with neurotypical and neuro diverse people in our lives. He believes that labels aren't needed because all brains really are different. With his daughter Rebecca and her coach Pati Fizzano they talk about ways to help get through all kinds of situations with love and patience.
For me this book was very well written, each chapter dealing with different aspects of situations you might encounter with someone on the spectrum. Each chapter is broken into 3 parts; the first part is Dr. Reitman explaining the character trait and examples of how he did not deal well with it when Rebecca was younger. The second section is from Pati Fizzano as a special needs teacher and how best to deal with the situations from her perspective; and the last part is from Rebecca. Rebecca explains from her perspective as a neurodiverse woman and child what she was dealing with and how to handle those situations.
As a mother of someone on the spectrum it was very helpful to see all sides. As Rebecca and Pati point out it is not always easy for people to explain why they react to certain things the way they do. Throughout the book patience and love are stronger encouraged.
This book is very insightful and reassuring. I believe I have taken away a better understanding of neurodiverse characteristics, and in the end no matter whether someone you love is on the spectrum of not love a nd patience is most important.

Recommends This Book

Yes

Was this review helpful?

Reviewer 527232

Recommends This Book

Strongly

This is the book I have been looking for! My son, now 24, has Aspergers. Even though he is high functioning, it can be a challenge to communicate with him and understand his emotions without having a disconect. This book is basic, but that is its strength. It gives you information in easy to understand language and practical advice. I have found plenty of books for people with Aspergers, but this hits a special and much needed niche...helping people understand from the outside. Well done

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Dorie K, Reviewer

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Yes

Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Aspergers, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodiversity
by Harold Reitman
2015
HCI Books
Many parents, siblings and caretakers have, at one time, had a child with autism and have struggled to reach that child. This is a concise and thorough guide, written by a parent of a child with Aspergers, not as a professional authority, to share what he has learned from working with his amazing daughter, Rebecca.
Rebecca has Aspergers, had 23 brain tumors and underwent 2 major brain surgeries at the Mayo Clinic as a toddler. She went on to be accepted to the prestigious University of Georgia where she earned a degree in Discrete Mathematics. She then decided she wanted to work with others with Aspergers, and has been working with them since.
This gives you a complete understanding of how the person with Aspergers feels as well as suggestions of how to help them deal with it, and help you to deal with it as well.
One of the biggest problems in education is that we divide children into classrooms not based on their abilities or strengths but by the year of their birth. The one size fits all approach does not work and is especially obvious when working with Autism.
Enlightening and positive, this is a must have guide. Its clear, no-nonsense approach could work with many children.
Thank you to HCI Books for sending this for review.

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Linda V, Librarian

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In the preface of this book, the author describes asking a college president friend what he considers the biggest problem with the education system in the U.S. The friend replied it was that children are placed in the same classroom for the simple reason they were born in the same year when not all children of any one age, are wired the same way. The notion of “different” wiring is easily seen in children with high function autism. Although, the term “Aspergers” is no longer officially used to describe people with high functioning autism, it continues to be associated with a specific set of traits and behaviors. These include hypersensitivity, physical and social awkwardness, inattention, and poor organizational and time management skills. This book offers parents of “aspies” methods to help them become more tuned into their child’s unique way of perceiving the world, and provides them concrete steps to help their child manage in a world they may often find overwhelming.